Cooper McLean - Penrith Cricket Club
Penrith Cricket Club | September 28, 2024
Cooper McLean is a young leg-spinner who has applied his craft in various grades at Penrith. He has also played Green Shield and made his debut in Poidevin-Gray Shield last season. Even at a young age, he is a role model to younger players because of the way he trains and his willingness to help others around him become better.
What year were you born?
2006
Tell us about your cricket journey.
I started my career playing for the Glenmore Park (U8’s), where I played 8 seasons for the Redbacks. During this time I also played representative cricket for the Penrith Junior Cricket Association from U10’s until U16’s. I began my journey at Penrith Cricket Club in 2018 when I was selected as a Green Shield development player. Following this, I played a further 2 years of Green Shield. I made my Grade debut on the 13th of November in 2021 against Gordon. I'm now heading into my fourth year of Grade cricket with the club.
If you can share with our readers how you would describe yourself as a cricketer?
I would describe myself as a keen leg spin bowler who chips in with the bat when necessary.
What do you enjoy most about playing cricket?
The thing I enjoy most about playing cricket is being able to play with mates and meet new people, all whilst playing the game I love.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?
Playing cricket in India. This experience is very memorable for me as I was able to experience cultures in another country and playing in unfamiliar conditions. I was also able to meet some great new mates from all over the world that had all come together due to their love of the game.
Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?
My favourite all time cricketer is Ollie Pope.
Who is the fastest bowler you’ve played against?
The fastest bowler I've ever played against is Charlie Anderson.
Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?
The best spinner I’ve played against is Ryan Gupta.
Who played the best innings you’ve seen first-hand playing with or against?
Mitchell Crayn’s 186 not out vs Penrith in season 2023/24. After taking some early wickets in the first 10 overs, Mitch came to the crease and steadied the ship for ND’s. Mitch then began dispatching our bowlers all over Howell Oval. He played many difficult shots effortlessly and punished our bowling attack. He was a very challenging batsman to bowl against in my PG’s debut.
Who is the best wicket keeper you’ve had the good fortune to play with?
The best wicket keeper I’ve had the good fortune to play with is Dhanvi Vemulapalli. Dhanvi is an exceptional keeper with lightning quick hands. He has put his skills on display for a variety of teams. These include NSW, The Northern Territory, Parramatta and the The Western Sydney Uni Cricket Team.
Is there a young player in your club you’d like to nominate as a player to watch?
Kaito Forrest. Kaito is an all rounder who despite his young age has the ability to bowl both quickly and accurately. He has the drive to learn and always strives to improve. He seeks feedback from coaches and players around the club including myself. He is always asking questions on how to get better as a cricketer.
Who are the two players you’ve come to admire most in your club in terms of skills and competitive spirit?
Mark Gardner: I admire Mark's fielding abilities as he is one of the best fielders in the club and can maintain a high level of intensity throughout the whole day's play.
Murray Staines: Murray's competitive spirit is unmatched, whether it be on the field or in the warm-up touch footy game. He always wants to win and does whatever it takes.
What are the two attributes you like to see in a captain and leader?
The two attributes you like to see in a captain and leader are Initiative and Courage.
Initiative: Initiative is vital in a captain as the need to be able to grab the game by the throat and make key decisions when necessary. The initiative directly impacts leadership effectiveness and team dynamics.
Courage: Courage is needed by captains as they need to be able to make brave decisions in the game. Without courage you’re at the mercy of your opponent.
Which singer/band would you like to see perform live?
Ne-Yo.
Favourite location, city or country as a holiday destination?
Waikiki, Hawaii.
Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?
Darius Visser. Darius has had a massive influence on my career as he has helped to technically refine my bowling. Working with Darius has also given me the opportunity to bowl against and learn from many professional cricketers such as Jordan Cox, Nick Larkin, Jason Sangha, Bertie Foreman and Ed Pollock to name a few.
Where do you find inspiration that gets you through challenging times?
I find inspiration from within or I'll turn to others around me to get inspiration.
Who are the three people in the world you’d love to meet and talk to?
Ne-Yo, Ollie Pope, Herbert Jones
What do you like to do to relax outside cricket?
Outside of cricket, you will find me out playing golf, basketball or hanging out with mates.
If working or going to Uni what do you do?
I’m currently a Coach at All Round Institute Of Cricket @allroundinstituteofcricket and Studying Sport and Exercise science at Western Sydney University.
Do you have a favourite quote?
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy," Martin Luther King, Jr. 23.
What are your goals for the next season?
Move up the batting order as well as solidifying a spot in 3rd grade.
Can we ask, what would it mean to you to play first-class cricket?
I think it would be a dream come true to represent my state in something that I am truly passionate about.
